Have you been to the Christkindlmarkt at the Athenaeum yet? With unique offerings sprinkled in over a few weeks’ time during the holidays, you can choose from multiple specially curated events to have your own Winter Wonderland adventure! Admission is FREE to explore the wonders of the outdoor market while taking in the twinkling lights, cheerful trees, the gathering of community, and the smiles the festivities are sure to bring. The event also features numerous warming stations for when your gang starts to feel chilly.
Holiday Experiences at the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt
At the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, artisan gift and souvenir vendors are nestled within the charming huts of the market area. Diverse entertainment has been lined up for the season, including a variety of music, kids’ crafts and activities, and photo opportunities to later reflect on the memories made.
Food and beverage vendors are available with an array of hot appetizers and sandwiches, as well as a variety of tasty treats to truly make the day a sweet one. The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt also offers commemorative mugs featuring a beautiful design of our Indy skyline and the Biergarten the market calls home. While exploring and snacking, this fun and festive mug earns you discounted refill prices on select beverages.
Memorable Celebrations at the Market
Each weekend of the Christkindlemarkt comes with a new lineup of special, themed events. The 2024 debut weekend includes a special Kwanzaa celebration. The day’s schedule promises to immerse guests in the African roots and culture of the holiday through traditional music with drum circles and dance groups, storyteller performances, and more.
For those who observe Kwanzaa, it’s an opportunity to spread cheer and joy to their families and communities. Kwanzaa is a holiday that unites the principles on which it was founded, with a special focus on building a bright and hopeful future. When attending this event with children, be sure to be on the lookout for important symbols that represent Kwanzaa, such as a Kinara (candleholder with seven candlesticks), Muhindi (corn), or the Bendera (a red black and green flag).
The second weekend of festivities hosts two of the most popular and busiest events of the season: Krampusnacht and Sankt Nikolaus Fest. Special programming includes lively stage performances, Krampus gifting children chocolate disguised as coal, and an array of Krampus companions making their rounds between 3 and 6 pm. While Krampus may have horns, shaggy fur, and an overall beastly appearance, he does maintain a kid-friendly demeanor during family hours. Krampus is said to bring punishments to those deemed to be naughty, but folklore says his jollier counterpart gifts treats and small treasures to well-behaved children.
At the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, the attending Krampuses parade down Mass Ave around 5:30 and return to Christkindlmarkt around 6. Krampusnacht continues until 8, with the caveat that the featured entertainment may be considered less family-friendly.
Following Krampusnacht is the much-anticipated Sankt Nikolaus Fest. This event packs a holly jolly punch and is becoming a cherished tradition for many. Upon arrival, children are invited to add their name to Sankt Nikolaus’ golden book, as well as visit with the beloved icon. On the day of the festival, Sankt Nikolaus is presented in Bishop’s robes with a golden staff, which is perhaps a contrast for those more familiar with a red suit, signature beard, and rounded belly. Registration is recommended when planning to attend this event.
As special programming continues, Las Posadas, a holiday that recognizes the journey taken to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph, rounds out the third weekend. This commemoration is customarily celebrated in Mexico, Latin American countries, and even Spanish-speaking communities across the United States. Traditionally, this holiday is observed with Mass, Christmas carols, a variety of foods, and often a pinata filled with yummy goodies! Expect to encounter vibrant traditions at the Athenaeum celebration, such as Mariachi bands and Latin pop singers. Be on the lookout for the seven-point star pinata that is said to have guided the three wise men to baby Jesus.
The final event of the season will be dedicated to Hanukkah, where guests will look forward to embracing music by a traditional Klezmer ensemble local to the community. During Hanukkah
celebrations, it is customary to recite prayers and stories significant to the historical miracle where a small amount of oil miraculously lasted eight days. Plentiful food can also be found during festivities, although feasts might look different for each Jewish family’s table.
At this event, be on the lookout for specialty treats on-site to embrace Hanukkah at the Athenaeum! Other notable symbols you may observe during Hanukkah celebrations are the menorah, fried food as a nod to the oil that burned for those eight days, chocolate coins referred to as gelt, and the spinning dreidel.
2024 Christkindlmarkt Hours
Opening Weekend
Friday, November 29: 11 am-8 pm
Saturday, November 30: 11 am-8 pm
Sunday, December 1: 11 am-5 pm (Kwanzaa)
Week 2
Friday, December 6: 4-8 pm
Saturday, December 7: 11 am-8 pm (Krampusnacht)
Sunday, December 8: 11 am-5 pm (Sankt Nikolaus)
Week 3
Friday, December 13: 4-8 pm
Saturday, December 14: 11 am-8 pm
Sunday, December 15: 11 am-5 pm (Las Posadas)
Closing Weekend
Friday, December 20: 4-8 pm
Saturday, December 21: 11 am-8 pm
Sunday, December 22: 11 am-5 pm (Hanukkah)
Make Every Moment Count
The Athenaeum is a treasured arts and cultural landmark within the community, located at 401 East Michigan Street, in downtown Indianapolis. There are nearby parking garages for convenience, with street parking available for free on Sundays. Mark your calendar for a visit to the Athenaeum Christkindlemarkt this year!
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